Wetland birding habitat

Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Hooded Merganser among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/20/2026Lake Ontelaunee--Wiley's Bridge/Blue Falls Area1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/19/2026Lake Ontelaunee--Wiley's Bridge/Blue Falls Area2 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/19/2026Middle Creek WMA--New Pond (Auto Tour Stop 3.5) (Lancaster Co.)1 observed

Carolina x Black-capped Chickadee (hybrid)

Poecile carolinensis x atricapillus

7/18/2026Our place, 1141 Hawk Mountain Rd, Kempton Pa1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

7/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

7/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

7/10/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

7/10/2026

Northern Flicker

7/10/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

7/10/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

7/10/2026

Eastern Kingbird

7/10/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

7/10/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

7/10/2026

Blue Jay

7/10/2026

American Crow

7/10/2026

Carolina Chickadee

7/10/2026

Tufted Titmouse

7/10/2026

Tree Swallow

7/10/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

7/10/2026

Carolina Wren

7/10/2026

Gray Catbird

7/10/2026

Northern Mockingbird

7/10/2026

Veery

7/10/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Birding at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.